Never better: If the Wildcats can play Ohio State even for 37 minutes in Columbus and 36 in Evanston, anything is theoretically possible.

Never bettor: When Jared Swopshire went down with a knee injury, the Wildcats lost their only above-average rebounder. Appropriately, they have not rebounded from the loss.

Keep your eyes on: Freshman wing Kale Abrahamson. If he hits some 3s, especially some circus shots, the Wildcats will be dangerous.

The number: 40.2. NU's field-goal percentage, which has been dropping toward the bottom of the Big Ten.

So, come Selection Sunday: Imagine a lineup of Drew Crawford, JerShon Cobb, Swopshire, Dave Sobolewski and Reggie Hearn. Now back to reality: The depleted Wildcats will have to win out to make the NCAA tournament.